2012 Water Management Plan

New Strategies and Supplies to Secure San Antonio's Water Future

SAWS contractors drilling a groundwater desal well in south Bexar County.

The updated plan addresses the city's future needs by calling for investment in new supplies and a continued commitment to water conservation.
By implementing the plan, a work in progress, San Antonio can help secure its health, safety and economic viability for decades to come.

New supplies also will help make San Antonio's drought restrictions more flexible in the future without sacrificing a deep commitment to the
efficient use of water.

Why Change Our Water Plan?

San Antonio's water management plan was last updated in 2009. Since then, several demographic, political and environmental changes have occurred, making it prudent to update the plan sooner than the usual five year interval. These include:

Changing population
Updated population figures from the 2010 U.S. Census allow growth projections to be fine-tuned.

BexarMet integration
The additional demand of a utility the size of Corpus Christi must now be factored into long-term water planning.

Endangered species protection
Adoption of a regional Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program brings unprecedented certainty to the long-term availability of our cornerstone water supply.

Increased underground storage
The Twin Oaks Aquifer Storage & Recovery has been expanded far beyond its original design capacity, allowing San Antonio to store more excess "wet season" water for use during drought.